How many low birthweight babies in low- and middle-income countries are preterm?

Authors

  • Fernando C Barros Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Aluísio J D Barros Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia
  • José Villar University of Oxford; Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Alicia Matijasevich Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia
  • Marlos R Domingues UFPel; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física; Departamento de Desportos
  • Cesar G Victora Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102011005000019

Keywords:

Infant, Low Birth Weight, Premature, Developing Countries, Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of preterm birth among low birthweight babies in low and middle-income countries. METHODS: Major databases (PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar) were searched for studies on the prevalence of term and preterm LBW babies with field work carried out after 1990 in low- and middle-income countries. Regression methods were used to model this proportion according to LBW prevalence levels. RESULTS: According to 47 studies from 27 low- and middle-income countries, approximately half of all LBW babies are preterm rather than one in three as assumed in studies previous to the 1990s. CONCLUSIONS: The estimate of a substantially higher number of LBW preterm babies has important policy implications in view of special health care needs of these infants. As for earlier projections, our findings are limited by the relative lack of population-based studies.

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Published

2011-06-01

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 3 (2011)

Section

Review

How to Cite

Barros, F. C., Barros, A. J. D., Villar, J., Matijasevich, A., Domingues, M. R., & Victora, C. G. (2011). How many low birthweight babies in low- and middle-income countries are preterm? . Revista De Saúde Pública, 45(3), 607-616. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102011005000019